Nov 14

Written by: jserigny
11/14/2008 5:24 PM

Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office Looks For Armed Robbery Suspect

Raceland (LPSO) - The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted in connection with several recent armed robberies. The most recent occurred this morning shortly before 10:30 when a panic alarm went off at Cheap Smokes on La 1 in Raceland. Cashiers reported they were the victims of an armed robbery and described their assailant as a black male wearing a tan or beige hoodie, carrying a black gun.

James Samuels LPSO

A Sheriff’s Office fleet vehicle happened to be across the street and saw the suspect leaving the scene in a car as an all points bulletin was being broadcast by dispatchers. Captain Dean Savoie described the suspect vehicle as an older model gold vehicle with a temporary paper license in the rear window, headed northbound on LA 1 towards Raceland. Within 4 minutes, Sheriff’s Office units spotted the suspect and initiated pursuit. The pursuit traveled the streets in Raceland, eventually ending at Buford and St. Phillip Streets when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a utility trailer.

Officers giving chase were unable to locate the robbery suspect immediately after the crash and spread out in the neighborhood, continuing their search.

At the crash site, a female arrived to claim the car the suspect was driving. The woman told deputies her son James had the car and described him wearing same clothing as that described by cashiers at Cheap Smokes.

Detectives identified the robber as James Samuels, black male, 28 years of age, of 592 St. Louis Street in Raceland. Arrest warrants are being issued for Samuels for Armed Robbery and Aggravated Flight from Officers.

James Samuels is also suspected in several other armed robberies in the Parish.

In the Cheap Smokes incident alone, if convicted, Samuels faces up to ninety-nine years in jail, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

If you see, know the whereabouts of, or have information that will lead to the arrest of James Samuels, please call the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-532-2808. Tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF are eligible for a reward, and you don’t have to give your name.

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